17th NATIONAL
CONVENTION/EXHIBITION

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED to attend and exhibit at the Guild's 17th National Convention/Exhibition, July 7-11, 2004, at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.

The Convention/Exhibition serves to bring luthiers of all specialties and skill levels from all over North America (and the world) together to meet and share information and inspiration in a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie; to give luthiers opportunity to show their work to and receive feedback from fellow luthiers; and to provide stimulating educational lectures and demonstrations on a wide range of topics of interest to the lutherie community.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

LECTURES: We have assembled a full slate of top-notch lecturers to speak on a wide range of topics.

DEMONSTRATIONS and WORKSHOPS: These are smaller and less formal than lectures, and involve a hands-on learning component. Several will be going on concurrently.

INSTRUMENT EXHIBITION: Here's where you put on the show! Expect to see hundreds of handmade instruments and talk with the builders who created them. It's the ultimate lutherie show-and-tell, so be sure to bring something to show.

WOOD and SUPPLIES for SALE: Expect a fabulous selection of lutherie woods, tools, and parts for sale at the tables of the many suppliers who will attend. Here's your chance to hand-pick the wood, supplies and tools you will use in the next several years.

CONCERTS: We've arranged three nights of concerts in PLU's state-of-the-art Lagerquist recital hall.

BENEFIT AUCTION: Our popular benefit auction gives members the chance to support the Guild with their donations of lutherie treasures, and have a ton of fun in the process!

MAKE THE MOST OF THE CONVENTION

1) Arrive Wednesday and stay until Sunday, so you won't miss any of the exciting events we've planned for you.

2) Lodge and dine on campus. It's extremely convenient, and you’ll get in on all the shop talk, music, and fun that happens with hundreds of luthiers all over the place!

3) Exhibit your instruments. You’ll learn a lot more if you have your instruments there to show and discuss. Other luthiers will remember you better and may later be able to recommend clients to you if they have seen the quality and type of instruments that you build. You are responsible for the safety of your instruments, but we have exclusive use of the hall while we are there, and it will be locked while the exhibit is closed.

4) Be prepared for the most mind-expanding event of your lutherie life! Most people, after attending their first Guild convention, are overwhelmed by the openness and friendliness of their fellow members, and by the wealth of information, contacts, and new ideas they’ve come away with. This is the essence of the convention, and if you’re open to it, you’re guaranteed to learn a lot, and to have a great time! See you in Tacoma!